Canceled: HBO's Enlightened loses its spark

Krystal Clark is a Los Angeles based entertainment writer who loves all things sci-fi, comic book and fantasy. When she's not consuming other worldly genres, she likes to soak up classic cinema. Krystal has a real soft spot for Frank Cap...

HBO gets a little darker

Laura Dern put up a good fight, but Enlightened is no more. After two seasons, HBO has decided to cancel the show. Unfortunately, it went out with a whimper and not a bang.

HBO has pulled the plug on the struggling dramedy, Enlightened. The series was co-created by and starred Laura Dern and Mike White. The network confirmed its cancellation on Tuesday evening after much speculation.

"It was a very difficult decision," HBO said in a statement. "We’ve decided not to continue Enlightened for a third season. We’re proud of the show, and we look forward to working with Mike White and Laura Dern in the future."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Enlightened was never a ratings winner. "It bottomed out with just 130,000 viewers the week before its 200,000-strong finale."

The series always seemed like an underdog. Despite its talented cast and witty writing, it never caught on with mainstream audiences.

Although it hasn't received such critical acclaim as HBO's Girls, it has earned some accolades. In 2012, it was nominated for two Golden Globes: Best Television Series — Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Comedy or Musical. Dern took home the award in the latter category.

"Enlightened centered on Amy Jellicoe (Dern), a self-destructive executive, who, after her professional life implodes and an awakening in rehab, attempts to get her life together" The cast included Diane Ladd (Dern's real-life mother), Sarah Burns, Luke Wilson and Timm Sharp.